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Science News Archive March 2004


Page 9 of 14

Johns Hopkins gene hunters pinpoint new cancer gene target

Scientists have pinpointed a new cancer gene target, PIK3CA, which is mutated in 32% of colon cancers and may be involved in tumor growth. The study suggests that targeted therapies could be more effective with fewer side effects, leading to personalized cancer treatment.

Gene variants may increase susceptibility to type 2 diabetes

Researchers identified four genetic variants strongly associated with type 2 diabetes in Finnish and Ashkenazi Jewish populations. The variants cluster in the regulatory region of the HNF4A gene, influencing insulin secretion in response to glucose.

Electronic device standards to yield choicer chops

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has approved standards for electronic methods used in measuring live animals, carcasses, and individual cuts. The new standards aim to increase consistency and confidence in measurements across technologies, benefiting equipment manufacturers, producers, packers, and consumers.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

'Before and after' diet ads promote bias against overweight people

Researchers found that subjects viewing 'before and after' ads indicated a strong anti-fat bias and believed weight is more easily controllable than those who viewed only the 'before' or 'after' pictures. The study suggests that such biases can influence further weight and eating disorder psychopathology.

High-performance, single-crystal plastic transistors reveal hidden behavior

Scientists have developed a novel fabrication technique to study charge transport in organic crystals, resulting in the highest recorded mobility in an organic semiconductor. The method eliminates exposure of fragile surfaces to conventional processing, allowing for pristine crystal samples to be used for device fabrication.

The hidden health trauma of child soldiers

A study of 300 former child soldiers found nearly all experienced traumatic events, including physical and sexual abuse. The study highlights the need for stronger intervention by the UN to prevent children from being used as soldiers in conflicts.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Doping buckyballs with atoms, one at a time

Researchers successfully doped C60 molecules with potassium atoms using atomic precision, increasing their electric charge and altering molecular orbital states. This breakthrough offers a new way to control electronic properties of individual molecules, with potential applications in nanotechnology and electronics.

Charge doping of molecules one atom at a time

Researchers successfully demonstrated precise control over molecular electronic properties using a scanning tunneling microscope. They added up to seven potassium atoms to a single buckyball molecule, altering its electrical properties.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Researchers model embryo implantation and tumour metastasis in fruit flies

A research team led by Dr. Howard Lipshitz discovered that a protein linked to mammalian embryo implantation also plays a role in tumour metastasis in fruit fly development. The study found a surprising level of similarity between the proteins in flies and mammals, with potential implications for understanding human disease.

Newly cloned gene key to global adaptation of wheat

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have cloned the VRN2 gene in wheat, which controls vernalization and plays a crucial role in the crop's adaptation to different environments. The study provides valuable insights into breeding strategies for improving wheat varieties through manipulation of flowering times.

NIST study helps auto engineers by the numbers

A NIST study identifies a potential source of error in the automotive industry's use of surface roughness data to predict friction. The researchers developed an improved analytical approach that can help automakers incorporate lighter weight materials and improve fuel efficiency.

Microbe's trick provides a template for willowy crystals

A team of scientists discovered microbes that produce nanometer-scale crystals of extraordinary length, using polymer fibers as templates. The discovery may provide key insight into biomineralization, the process that produces bone, teeth, and shell.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Light wave measurements make circuits better

Physicists at NIST used a highly sophisticated spectrometer to measure light wavelengths, providing 10 times better resolution than similar instruments. This improvement is expected to help the semiconductor industry create smaller circuits.

UCI study identifies how new neurons grow in adult brain

A UCI study reveals that newborn neurons in the adult brain mature by growing neural signaling appendages similar to those found in developing brains. This finding may aid in understanding how stem cells can be used to treat neurological diseases.

Gene links hereditary intestinal disorder with stroke danger

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a gene link between juvenile polyposis and high blood pressure syndrome. The study suggests that patients with the intestinal disorder should undergo genetic screening for vascular defects, as they are at risk of experiencing severe nosebleeds or strokes.

2004 Souder Award to David Eick

Dr. David Eick received the 2004 Wilmer Souder Award for his significant contributions to dental polymers and resin-bonded dentin interfaces. His work has advanced dental health through improved surface analysis instrumentation.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Aggressive heart therapies still underused, despite blood chemical status

Cardiologists at Duke University Medical Center found that aggressive therapies such as anti-clotting drugs and invasive procedures were not used adequately in patients with conflicting blood chemical results. Patients with positive troponin levels had increased mortality, while those with elevated CK-MB but negative troponin did not h...

2004 Research in Oral Biology Award to Gibson

Dr. Gibson received the IADR Research in Oral Biology Distinguished Scientist Award for her groundbreaking research. She is recognized as one of the top researchers in the field, with a long history of publishing prestigious papers and serving on numerous review bodies.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

NEJM breast cancer study shows increased disease - free survival

A large international study found that patients switched from tamoxifen to AROMASIN after 2-3 years experienced a significant reduction in breast cancer recurrence and longer disease-free survival. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for post-menopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer.

2004 Craniofacial Biology Award to Paul Sharpe

Dr. Paul Sharpe has received the 2004 Craniofacial Biology Award for his pioneering work in vertebrate body patterning and the molecular basis of tooth development. His contributions to the field have been widely accepted by the scientific community, recognizing his significant impact on craniofacial biology.

2004 Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Award to Haas

The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research has awarded Dr. Haas the 2004 Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Award for his extensive work on anxiolytic agents in dentistry. Dr. Haas has also made significant contributions to the field through his presentations and leadership roles.

Cell shocked

Researchers at USC's Viterbi School have developed a new electric pulse technology called electroperturbation, which exposes cells to brief and intense electric pulses that can trigger cell death. The technique has advantages over conventional treatments, being non-invasive and able to deliver treatment remotely.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

2004 Oral Medicine/Pathology Research Award to Gutkind

Dr. Gutkind received the IADR Oral Medicine/Pathology Research Award for his seminal research on normal and oncogenic functions of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. He has published over 200 scientific papers and contributed to developing molecular markers of disease progression in oral malignancies.

2004 Young Investigator Award to Fleming

Dr. Fleming's research focuses on dental biomaterials and alternatives to amalgam alloys, demonstrating his commitment to developing clinicians as researchers in dental materials science. The IADR Young Investigator Award recognizes his scientific and mentoring skills, making him a strong role model for young researchers.

HOW, not just WHAT, we eat affects our health

A study presented at a dental research conference explores the link between oral health and diet, finding that poor oral health can lead to unhealthy eating habits. The presentation highlights the potential consequences for systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and malignancy.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

AGU journal highlights - 10 March 2004

Researchers developed a method to estimate background levels of heavy metals in soil, allowing for the estimation of manmade contamination worldwide. A new analysis of satellite data provided detailed information on tropical Atlantic surface current variability, which can be used to infer global ocean patterns. Additionally, a simple m...

MGH study finds female mammals produce egg cells into adulthood

Researchers found a high rate of follicle degeneration in mice without a corresponding reduction in healthy follicles, refuting the idea of a fixed egg supply. The study suggests that ovaries retain the ability to produce new oocytes and follicles, potentially leading to new approaches to combating infertility.

New eggs continue to develop in adult mice

Researchers found that adult ovaries produce new oocyte-containing follicles, defying the traditional understanding of ovarian function. Ovarian follicle numbers even increased with age in some strains of mice.

2004 Behavioral Sciences/Health Services Award to Helen Gift

Dr. Helen Gift, a renowned dental researcher, has been awarded the prestigious IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Behavioral Sciences & Health Services Research. Her research focuses on promoting oral health among US veterans, with a particular emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

2004 Research in Dental Caries Award to Beighton

Dr. Beighton received a cash prize and plaque for his work on understanding the oral flora. The IADR Research in Dental Caries Award is one of the organization's highest honors, recognizing outstanding research in dental caries.

MGH research team grows long-lasting blood vessels

A research team at MGH has successfully grown long-lasting blood vessels using a technique that combines endothelial and perivascular cells. The new vessels formed beautiful networks, survived, and functioned like normal vasculature tissue.

Researchers find a protein that controls cell growth

A team of researchers has identified a protein called APC that regulates cell growth and limits the development of cancer. By controlling the levels of another protein Skp2, APC helps prevent cancer cells from growing uncontrollably.

Effectiveness of safer smallpox vaccine demonstrated against monkeypox

Researchers found that a new MVA vaccine was effective in protecting monkeys from both smallpox and monkeypox. The vaccine elicited similar immune responses as the current Dryvax vaccine, with all immunized animals surviving a lethal monkeypox infection and showing no clinical signs of disease.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Study clarifies impact of diet on the risk of gout

A study clarifies the impact of diet on the risk of gout, revealing that meat and seafood consumption significantly increases risk, while dairy products may be protective. The study's findings suggest a potential benefit to reducing red meat consumption and increasing low-fat dairy intake.

Kavli Institute will explore future of nanoscale science

The Kavli Institute will bring together world-renowned thinkers in nanoscale science to address major challenges and opportunities. The institute aims to define a path for progress in creating significant new science by sponsoring seminars and symposia on emerging themes in nanotechnology.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

2004 Research in Prosthodontics/Implants Award to Nishimura

The Research in Prosthodontics/Implants Award was established to recognize outstanding research accomplishments in the field of prosthodontics. Nishimura's award acknowledges his contributions to four key areas: cell differentiation, tissue engineering, wound healing, and human genome bio-informatics.

Researchers begin promising new trial to fight colorectal cancer

A new clinical trial called TREE-2 is evaluating the safety and efficacy of three regimens of ELoxatin as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The study combines an effective anti-angiogenesis antibody with chemotherapy to improve treatment outcomes.

Undisturbed Amazonian forests are changing, say scientists

Rising carbon dioxide levels are altering Amazonian forest ecosystems, leading to faster growth and changes in species composition. Large trees are outcompeting smaller ones, with the latter's decline posing concerns for the entire ecosystem.

USC study finds faulty wiring in psychopaths

The study found that psychopaths have abnormal wiring in the hippocampus and corpus callosum, leading to impulsiveness, lack of emotions, and social disconnectedness. This suggests a neuro-developmental root for psychopathy, with faulty brain development causing structural abnormalities.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Awards & fellowships presented in Hawaii

The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research has presented several awards and fellowships to dental researchers in Hawaii. These include the IADR Distinguished Service Award, E.W. Borrow Memorial Award, and William J. Gies Award, among others.

Stress hormones and heart failure

Researchers have found that urocortin II administered intravenously significantly enhances heart muscle cell contractions in mice with congestive heart failure. The hormone targets the CRF2 receptor, leading to improved cardiovascular function and a potential new treatment for heart disease.

2004 Research in Periodontal Disease Award to Soskolne

Dr. Soskolne has made significant contributions to scientific literature in the fields of oral pathology, bone physiology, and the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. He developed an organ-culture model for studying bone remodeling, which has been used extensively to study bone physiology.

Urban youth don't feel respected, cared about or trusted

A study by Janis Whitlock found that urban youth feel disconnected from their schools and communities, leading to feelings of invisibility. The research highlights the importance of school and community connectedness in protecting against negative outcomes such as violence, risky behavior, and dropping out of school.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

2004 Pulp Biology Research Award to Tony Smith

Tony Smith has made significant contributions to pulp biology, including a groundbreaking tooth slice organ culture model. He will also become Editor of the Journal of Dental Research, a flagship publication, and is recognized as an international authority in his field.

Lakes with zebra mussels have higher levels of toxins, MSU research finds

A recent study by Michigan State University researchers has found that lakes invaded by zebra mussels have three times higher levels of a toxic algae and twice the levels of its deadly toxin, microcystins. The discovery raises concerns about the potential reversal of water quality gains made in recent years.

UC study sheds new light on climate-change processes

A University of California study suggests that melting Greenland ice could lead to a significant drop in North Atlantic Ocean salinity, triggering colder climates in Northern Europe and Eastern Canada. The research found that elevated Caribbean salinity, transported by the Gulf Stream, amplifies heat transport systems.